Adult & Lifelong Learning

The State Historical Society of Iowa offers numerous programs and events designed to educate individuals of all ages on Iowa's history. These offerings include lectures, tours, conferences, workshops, and more.
 

Join us at the Museum

Explore the State Historical Museum of Iowa through its exhibits, collection tours, and documentary and panel presentations.

Schedule a Group Visit

The State Historical Museum of Iowa invites adult groups to schedule self-guided tours through a variety of exhibits displaying a rich collection of artifacts and documents.  Requests must be submitted through the Museum Adult Visit Request Form. 

Museum Collections Tours

Step inside the State Historical Museum of Iowa's collection storage for a behind the scenes look at objects from Iowa's past. The Museum Collections Tour is an in-depth 60-minute guided tour through the museum collection vault to explore a small example of the museum's 80,000 objects. All participants must be over the age of 12 years old. For younger historians over the age of 9 years old, check out our Family Museum Collections Tours.

Private Museum Collection Tours

Looking for a one-of-a-king unique way to learn more about Iowa history?  Schedule a museum-staff led tour of select items from the State Historical Museum of Iowa's collection storage. Private tours must be requested at least two weeks in advance and the cost to book a private tour is $10 per person. The minimum number of people to book a private tour is 10 people and the maximum in 20 people due to space limitations. To request a private museum collection tour and begin the scheduling process, please submit the request form. Please note private tours are scheduled based on staff availability.

Documentary Showings

Throughout the year, join the State Historical Society of Iowa, in partnership with Iowa PBS, for showings of documentaries focusing on the important events and people from Iowa's past.

Learn Virtually

Can't make it to the museum? Explore Iowa's rich history from anywhere with our diverse online programs.

Iowa History 101 Series

This wide-ranging online series of lectures by State Historical Society of Iowa staff and other experts examines Iowa History through a cultural lens. Find upcoming program dates and explore recordings of past programs. 

Iowa History Book Club

Every few months, the statewide club focuses on a different book about Iowa history, with online discussions led by the authors, special guests and Andrew Klumpp, who edits The Annals of Iowa. 

Iowa Stories

Since 2007, this in-person lecture series at the State Historical Society of Iowa Research Center in Iowa City has showcased insightful research on a diverse array of Iowa topics.

Special Programs

The State Historical Museum of Iowa hosts a variety of special events and programs throughout the year.

Iowa History Month

Every March, Iowans of all ages are invited to celebrate Iowa History Month with the State Historical Society of Iowa and partner organizations across the state.

Days of Learning

The Days of Learning program connects educators, students, parents and lifelong learners from around the state with dynamic programming to showcase Iowa's arts, history, humanities and film.

History on the Move

The State Historical Museum of Iowa sends traveling exhibits, including the popular Mobile Museum, to every corner of the state.